Foreign spies are constantly seeking to penetrate government, defence, academia and business to steal sensitive and classified information.

Foreign spies have a strong interest in a range of information across Australian Government, business, education and industry. Information does not have to be highly classified to be valuable.

Even information that seems innocuous in isolation may be aggregated to build a bigger picture; either to fill foreign intelligence gaps, or to identify individuals for possible future targeting.

Espionage

Espionage is the theft of Australian information by someone who is acting on behalf of a foreign power, or who is intending to provide information to a foreign power that is trying to seek advantage. Espionage can target defence, political, industrial, foreign relations, commercial or other information that is usually otherwise unavailable to the foreign power. Espionage is a crime in Australia, punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.

Indicators for espionage can include the following.

Removing information from the workplace

In many workplaces it is routine and in accordance with organisational policy to take work documents home. But this can be an indicator of espionage, particularly where individuals often take sensitive or classified documents or electronic storage devices out of the workplace, or take them without permission.

Bringing electronic devices into secure or sensitive work areas

Similarly, bringing electronic devices (such as thumb drives, cameras or mobile phones) into secure or sensitive areas of the workplace can be an indicator of espionage, as individuals may use these devices to record or copy information.

Attempting to elicit sensitive information

Individuals may ask probing questions to seek additional information about sensitive topics, beyond what is needed or appropriate for the conversation or situation.

Excessive photocopying or printing

Individuals may make unnecessary copies of work material, which cannot be accounted for at a later date.

Unexplained wealth

Individuals may buy expensive items or undertake activities that are out of step with their income.

Lack of discretion

This includes individuals who speak in inappropriate detail about sensitive aspects of their work with those who do not need to know the information.

Disgruntlement, dissatisfaction or disillusionment

This can include individuals who express anger, disappointment or resentment towards their organisation, or the Australian Government, to the extent of talking about revenge or retaliation.

Personal vulnerabilities

Individuals who appear to be struggling with personal issues or who are under unusual strain could be coerced or blackmailed to pass information to an unauthorised party.

Recklessness

This includes individuals who seem exhilarated by the thrill of doing something wrong and who have a disregard for security procedures.

Not reporting foreign travel

This can include individuals whose travel overseas does not appear to be connected to a legitimate work requirement, or occurs suddenly, or is not appropriately declared in accordance with their employment or other security requirements.

Holding divided loyalties or ideologies

Individuals may hold obvious allegiances to countries beside Australia, or to particular ideologies; individuals may seem to favour these above the interests of Australia.

Working at odd hours

For no apparent reason, individuals may arrive at work early or leave work late, or may engineer opportunities to be alone or unsupervised in the office.

Foreign influence versus foreign interference

Foreign interference is a broader, more nuanced concept. All foreign states seek to influence deliberations of importance to them. When those activities are conducted in an open and transparent manner they are not of concern. However, when activities are conducted covertly by, or on behalf of, a foreign actor; when they are clandestine, deceptive, corrupting or threatening in nature; and when they are contrary to Australia’s sovereignty and interests, we classify this as foreign interference. Foreign interference is about covertly shaping decision-making to the advantage of a foreign power and, left unchecked, it becomes highly corrosive.

Foreign actors—whether government officials, intelligence officers or their proxies—will seek contacts and develop relationships to exert influence and pursue their objectives. Foreign actors may attempt to interfere in decision-making at all levels of Australian government, as well as in Australia’s businesses, universities and media organisations.

Warning signs of interactions transitioning from influence to interference could include:

  • reduced transparency—including requests to use less open or non-corporate forms of communication, or to reduce potential public oversight of engagements;
  • suggested or implied quid pro quo;
  • attempts to conceal relationships or interactions; and
  • requests, suggestions or pressure to influence others to take a particular position.

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